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Elbert Richard, 92

Elbert Verlin “Rich” Richard, 92, passed into his Heavenly rest Monday, April 8, 2013, at his home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born May 12, 1920, on a farm in Cleveland Township, the second son of Robert Douglas and Rose Ellen (Trout) Richard. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1938.Rich married his high school sweetheart, Anna Marie Walter in 1940. Together they have a son, Marc, and a daughter, Rozanne. During World War II, he was called to duty, leaving his beloved family and job with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He proudly served in the U.S. Army 66th Infantry Black Panther Division on the European Front. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and went back to work with the railroad. Two more daughters were born, Lynda and Janean. In 1954, they moved from their home at Troy Cedar Lake to Phoenix. Soon after another daughter, Danelle, blessed their lives. Rich worked many years as a wholesale milkman for the Carnation Company. In his semi-retired years, he worked for Smitty’s grocery store. Mrs. Richard died in 1988.Rich married Margaret Yvonne Humphrey June 2, 2001. He enjoyed volunteering as a coach for girls’ youth softball, playing Euchre and Pinochle, golf, rooting for the ASU football teams and spending time in the company of his good friends and neighbors. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his cherished family.Surviving relatives include his wife of 12 years, Margaret; four children, Marc Allen (Katherine) Richard, Rosanne Dee (Gary) MacIntyre, Lynda Kristeen (Douglas) Schlueter and Janean Rae (Dennis Jr.) Farley; a stepdaughter, Gayle Humphrey (Larry) Mahrenholtz; many precious grandchildren and great grandchildren; and cousin, Chuck Richard of South Whitley. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Danelle Lee Richard Bonine Eckman; two grandsons; a great-grandson; and a brother, Robert Woodrow Richard.A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 24 at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix. Preferred memorials are to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.